Champion motocross racer Billy Carter is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Chatham rider suffered a serious knee injury shortly after clinching the prestigious UK Masters Kids title.

Carter faces a year out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and one of his main sponsors, Terry Fisher at 4TwoTwo Racing, is hoping the 14-year-old can bounce back.

Fisher said: “The injury has come at the wrong time for him but it’s now down to him to come through it.

“He’s a nice kid, he’s done well and he’ll be feeling low. All you want to do at that age is ride your bike. Hopefully, he will come back stronger."

Carter will be hoping to reignite his career once he recovers, having completed another successful season topped by his Masters win.

He beat 80 other riders to win that title and also added the British Premier Judd Cup – a national level event – to his name.

But it was while riding for the East Anglia Motocross Club that he picked up his injury, snapping the ACL in his knee and fracturing a bone at the same time. Carter is expected to miss a whole season.

Mum Deana spoke about Billy’s dedication to the sport, which he has been involved in since the age of seven.

She said: “He’s always given 110% to the sport. He has sacrificed a lot, missing out on going out with mates and parties, all because he enjoys motocross so much.

“He trains so hard, eats well and gives so much to the sport.

"It’s a real shame what’s happened because Billy was about to move up to 125cc, which he was excited about having achieved so much with the 85cc big wheel bike.”